Scouting: DuPage Co. wrestling

Addison Trail

Coach: Rob Serio (fifth season).

Last season: 11-11, 2-4 in West Suburban Gold.

Top wrestlers: George Iliopoulis (sr., 119), James Sokolnik (sr., 125), Alex Romero (sr. 130), Kerin Ramirez (jr. 145), Brandon Lopez (so. 152/160), Jetjon Bebo (sr. 160), Arber Bebo (sr., 189), Andy Heredia (so. 285).

Outlook: Serio's program continues to climb the ladder, and this year's Blazers feature a returning state qualifier in Arber Bebo, who won 34 matches last year, and a trio of wrestlers in Sokolnik, Iliopolous and Romero, who were all in the 20-win range. Bebo, Iliopolous and Lopez all reached the title mat at this year's Ewoldt tournament, where Ramirez placed third. Heredia, Luis DelaCruz and Chris Lopez will also figure prominently this season.

Downers Grove North

Coach: Chris McGrath (sixth season).

Last season: 13-8 overall in duals.

Top wrestlers: Jimmy Nehls (so., 119), Danny Conrad (sr., 125), Zach Picha (sr., 130), Alex Ostermann (sr., 135), Joe Foreman (sr., 145), Leo Ellis (sr., 171), Ryan Mussatto (sr., 189), C.J. Barbato (sr., 285).

Outlook: Watch for Foreman to have a whale of a season in his last chance to earn downstate hardware for a Trojans' team that also features a returning state qualifier in Nehls. Beyond that, McGrath's crew has a stable of quality varsity wrestlers. Through four duals, the Trojans have six unbeaten wrestlers in Nehls, Foreman, Mussatto, Conrad, Josh Longmire (112) and Danny Balderas (171). Ellis won 18 last year and Barbato has a year of varsity experience behind him.

Downers Grove South

Coach: Rick LeBlanc (15th season).

Top wrestlers: Sam Apland (so. 135/140), Trevor Wenmouth (sr., 145/152), Hafeez Umer (sr., 160/171), Steven LeBlanc (sr., 160), Espen Frederiksen (sr., 215), Andrew Hart (sr., 215), Josh Hill (sr., 285).

Outlook: A state champion in Ben Apland graduated, and an IKWF state champion enters the program this year in Willie Anaya (fr., 152/160). Unfortunately, Anaya may have to get past a state qualifier in Wenmouth (36-7 last year) in order to crack the lineup. The Mustangs should be solid in the upper weights this year, from 152 to heavyweight. Umer and Steven LeBlanc will help lead and provide wins, "and we've got promising young kids at the lighter weights," Rick LeBlanc said.

Driscoll

Coach: Matt TreDenick (fourth season).

Last season: Third at Suburban Catholic Conference tournament.

Top wrestlers: Chris Heading (sr., 119), Brett Warren (sr., 152), Zach TreDenick (so., 160), Nick Arena (jr., 171), Steve Driscoll (sr., 171), Tom Randich (jr., 189), Jake Randich (so., 215).

Outlook: A trio of state qualifiers return, including the program's first medal winner in Tom Randich, who went 31-8 and placed fourth in Class A at 189 pounds. Returning sectional champ Heading won 30-plus matches last year, Jake Randich posted 29 and the Highlanders have two returning sectional qualifiers in Zach TreDenick, Brett Warren and Steve Driscoll. "Our expectations are high," said coach Matt TreDenick. "We should be competitive in duals and tournaments this year."

Fenton

Coach: Brian Hastings (second season).

Last season: 10-11 in duals.

Top wrestlers: Ryan Joy (jr., 125), Vince Swartz (sr., 130), Carlos Gomez (sr., 140), Josh Castellano (sr., 145), Joe DeBenedetto (jr., 189), Benji Sciullo (sr., 189), Francisco Ochoa (sr., 285).

Outlook: The Bison have a solid lineup this year, led by the middle weights where two-time state qualifier Castellano is the marquee name. The senior recently signed to wrestle for the U.S. Olympic Education Center after becoming a national champion in Greco in the off-season. Gomez is rock-solid at 140, Ochoa won 29 matches last year, and a slew of dependable wrestlers will lead Fenton toward the Class AA postseason of the new three-class system.

Glenbard East

Coach: Kevin Carlson (12th season).

Last season: 15-6 in duals, fourth at DuPage Valley Conference tournament.

Top wrestlers: Joe Alexander (sr. 103), Matt Cobb (sr., 119), Dalton Servatius (sr., 130), Steve Hilliard (jr., 135/140), Adam Zeh (sr., 160), Sam Pennisi (jr., 160/171), Spencer George (jr., 285).

Outlook: Alexander and Zeh are the Rams' returning marquee names, but the Rams placed fifth at this year's Ewoldt tournament without either of them in the lineup, leaving Carlson optimistic for this year's squad. "We're young, and it might take a little time, but I like what I see," Carlson said. Larry Caruso (sr., 145) and Pennisi reached the Ewoldt title mat, while six other Rams placed.

Glenbard North

Coach: Mark Hahn (22nd season).

Last year: 25-5 overall in duals, 7-0 in DuPage Valley Conference duals, first at DVC tournament, sectional champion.

Top wrestlers: Joe Gosinski (so. 119/125), Tony Ramos (sr., 125/130), Jimmy Chase (sr.,135/140), Dan Rios (sr. 119/125), Chris Quagliano (sr. 140), Charleston Soko (sr. 171), Chris Wahrman (jr. 189) Tyler Knudson (so. 215), Chris Van Gundy (sr., 285).

Outlook: Nobody graduated more high state place-winners than the Panthers, but Hahn and his staff never seem to fail to produce a top-five team in Illinois. Returning state champs Ramos and Chase lead the way, Gosinski was sixth at 103 last year, and Soko and Van Gundy are varsity veterans. Rios, Quagliano and Knudson showed well at this year's Conant tournament, and "most of our middle-weight guys wrestled JV last year, but they're good seniors and they'll step up," Hahn said.

Glenbard South

Coach: Derrick Crenshaw.

Top wrestlers: Pat Williams (sr., 125), Mike Peters (sr., 135), Channing Seager (jr., 140), Ryan McKean (sr., 152), Austin Tiestma (jr., 215), Chester Naleway (sr., 285).

Outlook: The Raiders are happy to be placed in Class 2A of Illinois' new three-class system in wrestling. "Now hopefully we can get a few more kids downstate," Crenshaw said. Program numbers are solid, and this year's team will be led by a 25-match winner in Peters and an all-state football linebacker in Teitsma, who posted 20 wins last year and "is just brutally strong," Crenshaw said. Freshman Brian Bolun will also have an immediate impact at 103.

Glenbard West

Coach: Nick Posegay (third season).

Last season: 13-4 overall in duals, 1-5 in West Suburban Silver.

Top wrestlers: Sam Littlehale (sr., 112), Mike Letmanski (sr., 125), Ethan Knowlton (sr., 130), Dave Weaver (sr., 171), Mike Dixson (sr., 285).

Outlook: Littlehale and Letmanski posted 20-plus wins each last year, and they're a pair of hard-nosed senior leaders on a team with no shortage of senior leaders. Knowlton flirted with the 30-win mark last year, while Weaver and Dixson should provide consistent wins this season. "We're looking at some youngsters to fill some holes, and we should be strong from the lighter weights up to 140," Posegay said. "The two big guys (Weaver and Dixson) at the end should also be solid."

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Jim Zajicek (seventh season).

Last season: 16-5 overall in duals, 5-1 (second) in West Suburban Silver.

Top wrestlers: Terry Ward (so., 125), Alex Orton (jr., 130), Tim Knowles (sr., 140), Tom Jung (sr., 140), David Lutz (jr., 152), Quinn Francis (sr., 160), Dimitri Simeakis (sr., 171), Allan Cameron (sr., 189), Pat Clegg (sr., 285).

Outlook: This could well be Zajicek's best team yet, as he and his staff have elevated the Red Devils to top-20 status in Illinois. Varsity experience abounds, five returnees posted 30-plus wins last year, two won 27 apiece, and the Red Devils are poised to give Illinois' top-ranked team in Oak Park-River Forest a run for its money in the WSS. Newcomers Mac Mahoney, Matt Freyn, David Hutchinson, Nick Auriemma and Jack Allen will all contribute.

Hinsdale South

Coach: Mike Matozzi (21st season).

Last season: 20-3 overall in duals, 5-1 (second) in West Suburban Gold.

Top wrestlers: Jake Schramm (jr., 103), Andy Hoch (jr., 130), Logan Obermeyer (jr., 152), Tim Miller (sr., 160), Ryan Garringer (sr., 189), Joe Coffey (sr., 189), Jon Nelson (sr., 215).

Outlook: The Hornets just keep sending solid teams out onto the mat, and this year's version features a state-qualifying wrestler in Garringer, who won 35 matches last year and was named outstanding wrestler at this year's Ewoldt tournament. Schramm also won an Ewoldt title, while Jimmy Grimm, Jack Hanrahan, Coffey and Nelson won thirds. The rest of the lineup boasts balance and quality. "We've got a nice core group of guys with significant experience," Matozzi said.

Lake Park

Coach: Todd Raymond (14th season).

Last season: 15-5 in duals, 5-1 in Upstate Eight Conference, third at UEC tournament.

Top wrestlers: Joe Rovituso (sr., 103), Mike DeSario (sr., 119), Fernando Morales (sr., 130), Christian Bartnicki (jr., 140), Mike Graziano (sr., 145), Coder Pinney (sr., 160), Peter Demars (sr., 215).

Outlook: This year's squad will seek to find its footing to start the year, but the Lancers again figure to be tough. Two-time returning state qualifier DeSario won 36 matches last year, while Rovituso and Bartnicki each posted 25-plus wins. Demars is aiming to fill a pair of big shoes left by graduated senior Mike Dziedzic, Dan Kowalski's 40-plus wins are gone, but seniors Morales, Graziano and Pinney are all poised for a solid season.

Lisle

Coach: John Davis (third season).

Last season: 21-3, second in Interstate Eight Conference, finished fourth at Class A state finals.

Top wrestlers: Brian Reese (sr., 119/125), Adam Gleason (jr., 130/135), Jake Kretman (jr., 145/152), David Pawlowicz (sr., 160/171).

Outlook: Six key components of last year's fourth-place team graduated, leaving this year's team in the hands of four returning state qualifiers in Reese, Gleason, Kretman and Pawlowicz. Pawlowicz went 36-5 last year, Gleason was 34-9, and Kretman posted 31 wins. Add a 22-match winner in Reese and four more returning starters, and the Lions are aiming for another strong showing in the formidable Interstate Eight. According to Davis, "hopefully the tough schedule will prepare us for the postseason."

Montini

Coach: Mike Bukovsky (16th season).

Last season: 36-1, Class AA champion.

Top wrestlers: Stephen Robertson (so., 125), Colton Rasche (jr. 130), Frankie Baer (so. 140), Brandon Hensley (sr. 152), Elliot Hudson (sr., 152), Isaiah Gonzalez (sr. 160), Alex Saunders (sr. 171), Carl Foreside (sr. 189), Grant Goebel (sr. 215).

Outlook: The Broncos are ready to wreak havoc again this year with a lineup that features three returning state runners-up in Robertson, Gonzalez and Foreside, who posted 143 wins between them. Rasche won 47 matches last year, Baer posted 36, and Hudson and Goebel were 30-plus match winners. Add Dimitri Willis, Mike Size and Christ Divito and Montini fields another solid team. "We're deep this year, and I like what I'm seeing so far," Bukovsky said.

Naperville Central

Coach: Rob Porter (third season).

Last year: 8-14 overall in duals, 2-5 in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top wrestlers: Connor Marr (sr., 112), Nick Santos (jr., 119), Andrew Kovalsky (jr., 135), Adam Gebner (jr., 152), Joe Savina (jr., 160), Matt Burns (sr., 189), Nick Weithman (sr., 189), Joe Widman (sr., 285).

Outlook: The Redhawks are off to the best start of Porter's tenure, going 4-1 through five duals. "It's still early, and it's hard to evaluate where they'll end up, but I'm pleased with the effort I'm seeing," Porter said. Kovalsky posted 25 wins last year, Burns was runner-up at 189 at last year's DVC tournament and won 19 matches, and so far Marr, Burns, and sophomore Jon Williamson (103/112) have won consistently.

Naperville North

Coach: Tom Champion (sixth season).

Top wrestlers: Frank McKeown (so., 103), Nick McDonnell (fr., 119/125), Dacey Henninger (sr., 125/130), Adam Hankin (jr., 135/140), Steve McDonnell (jr., 152/160), Jim Fissinger (sr., 189/215), Scott Baleskie (sr., 189/215), Michael Albanese (sr., 285).

Outlook: State qualifier Albanese returns as one of the state's top-ranked heavyweights, and Champion has a good core to work with this year. Hankin and McKeown each earned fourth-place finishes at this year's Conant tournament, Albanese was second at 285, and Henninger is a returning sectional qualifier. Freshman Nick McDonnell is raw but tough, and Fissinger could be a steady match-winner this year. Steve Gutka, Manny Mayan, Dave Hess and Kevin Jaris will also figure prominently.

Neuqua Valley

Coach: Mick Ruettiger (11th season).

Last season: 21-5, Upstate Eight Conference tournament champion, regional champion.

Top wrestlers: Jackson Robinson (jr., 103), Matt Cavallaris (jr., 112), Adam Stine (sr., 130/135), Andy Spangler (jr., 140/145), Matt Walters (sr.), Nick Proctor (jr., 160/171), Nick Saiz (sr.), Alex Zozulia (sr., 189), Mike Zozulia (sr., 215).

Outlook: The Wildcats lost a pair of state place-winners but return a quality squad. Proctor won 40 matches and finished third in Illinois at 145 last year, Walters and Spangler won 30-plus matches, and Cavallaris, Stine, and Alex Zozulia were all in the mid-20s in wins. Neuqua placed second at this year's Barrington tournament, and according to Ruettiger, "with the loss of five seniors, we'll have to have people step up and fill some big holes."

Waubonsie Valley

Coach: Brad Caldwell (7th season).

Top wrestlers: Doug Moravec (sr., 103/112), Justin Salerno (sr., 119), David Scarano (jr., 125), Andy Greer (jr., 145), Preston Laroche (sr., 152), Mike Lyons (sr.,160), Preston Lachowicz (jr., 171), Dan Kelly (jr., 171).

Outlook: This year's Warriors are wet behind the ears but have potential. "We'll be preaching strength and conditioning, and mat experience will come as we go along," Caldwell said. Moravec won 22 matches last year, Laroche and Lyons are returning sectional qualifiers, and Scarano has been solid through the season's first two weeks. Max Garbis and Kevin Carter, Dan Kelly, Alex Obiofu and Sherrod Stancil have all figured prominently thus far.

West Chicago

Coach: Jamie Phillips (fourth season).

Top wrestlers: Chris Pierce (sr., 119/125), Robert Guillen (so., 125/130), Jonny Padilla (sr., 135/140), Nick Carnot (jr., 145/152), Mike Theide (jr., 152/160), Preston Hauptman (sr., 171), George Fortman (sr., 189), Jon White (jr., 189/215)

Outlook: Padilla earned a coach's comment that every good wrestler strives for: "You wish every kid would work like he does," Phillips said. Padilla qualified for Fargo in freestyle and Greco over the summer and won 25 matches for the Wildcats last season. Pierce is aggressive on his feet, Guillen is showing early promise, and Phillips sees potential for wins spread out from 103 to heavyweight. Newcomer Nate Sweitzer will also be expected to contribute this year.

Wheaton North

Coach: Steve Holland (ninth season).

Last season: 22-5 overall in duals, 6-1 in DuPage Valley Conference duals, third at DVC tournament.

Top wrestlers: Tyler Simmons (so., 103), Adrian Laskero (sr., 112/119), Dominic Schmit (sr., 160/171), Harry Myers (sr., 189).

Outlook: Renovation begins for a squad that graduated a large core of seniors who helped set a new program mark for wins (22) last year. "I see potential, so it boils down to how much they're willing to put into it," Holland said. "We've had some pretty solid teams for the past seven or eight years, and this group would like to maintain that." Laskero and Schmit are returning 30-match winners, and Myers "might be a sleeper" Holland said.

WW South

Coach: Ryan Ferguson (ninth season).

Last season: 10-8 overall in duals, 2-5 in DuPage Valley Conference, sixth at DVC tournament.

Top wrestlers: Tyler Kalb (jr., 112), Spartacus Chino (so., 135), Bryce Mitchell (sr., 145), Tim Savenok (sr., 145/152), Jim Franke (sr., 160/171), Mike Olp (sr., 189).

Outlook: The Tigers could be an upper-half team in the formidable DVC this year, with a balanced lineup and despite the loss for the season of Mark Savenok due to injury. Olp drops to 189 from 215 after winning 25 matches last year, Franke, Tim Savenok and a sophomore poised to open some eyes in Chino all won Ewoldt titles last week. Patrick McFadden, Patrick O'Shea and Tom Olp will also be key.

Willowbrook

Coach: Bryan Murphy (eighth season).

Last season: 12-14 overall in duals, 1-5 (fifth) in West Suburban Gold duals.

Top wrestlers: Ben Coman (so.,112), Jeff Urbanowicz (jr.,119), Steve Congenie (fr.,135/140), Jeremy Kroeger (so.,145), Mike Head (sr.,152), Grant Millette (sr.,171), Dan Rispens (sr.,215).

Outlook: The middle weights will carry this year's Warriors, from freshman and IKWF state champ Congenie through Millette, who went 19-6 in an injury-shortened season last year. "He's grown, he's a senior, and we'll get a lot of good matches out of him," Murphy said. Head and Coman figure to win consistently, Rispens is a powerful 215-pounder, and Murphy sees his squad competing for a top three spot in the conference with Leyden and Hinsdale South this year.

York

Coach: Terry Clarke (19th season).

Last season: 17-10 in duals, 2-4 in West Suburban Silver.

Top wrestlers: Jack Cooney (sr., 103), Andres Katsivalis (sr., 119), Pat Hamil (sr., 152), Dale Lewis (sr., 160), Romell Johnson (sr., 189), Scott Helton (sr., 275).

Outlook: The Dukes are out fast from the gate with a 5-0 dual record through Saturday's action, thanks to a bevy of wrestlers who might lack a superstar among them, but feature toughness and experience throughout the lineup. Hamil could be poised for a breakout season, while Lewis, Cooney and Johnson all won 30-plus matches last season. Add a couple of steady performers in Helton and Katsivalis, plus a good group of varsity newcomers, and York figures to be solid again this season.